U.S. patent number 10,028,714 [Application Number 14/495,098] was granted by the patent office on 2018-07-24 for control device, medical apparatus and method to control movements of the medical apparatus.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Siemens Aktiengesellschaft. The grantee listed for this patent is Siemens Aktiengesellschaft. Invention is credited to Franziska Dinse, Bjoern Michelsen, Juliane Ritter.
United States Patent |
10,028,714 |
Dinse , et al. |
July 24, 2018 |
Control device, medical apparatus and method to control movements
of the medical apparatus
Abstract
In a method to control movements of a medical apparatus via a
control device with a touch-sensitive display, an apparatus
component of the medical apparatus is selected and; and move the
selected apparatus component is moved according to commands made at
the touch-sensitive display. A safety loop must be closed in order
to activate the movement of the apparatus component. A control
device to control a medical apparatus, and a medical apparatus
having at least one apparatus component, operate according to this
method.
Inventors: |
Dinse; Franziska
(Heiligenstadt, DE), Michelsen; Bjoern (Kitzingen,
DE), Ritter; Juliane (Neunkirchen, DE) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Siemens Aktiengesellschaft |
Munich |
N/A |
DE |
|
|
Assignee: |
Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
(Munich, DE)
|
Family
ID: |
52623565 |
Appl.
No.: |
14/495,098 |
Filed: |
September 24, 2014 |
Prior Publication Data
|
|
|
|
Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20150085986 A1 |
Mar 26, 2015 |
|
Foreign Application Priority Data
|
|
|
|
|
Sep 24, 2013 [DE] |
|
|
10 2013 219 155 |
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B
6/467 (20130101); A61B 6/54 (20130101); A61B
6/548 (20130101); A61B 6/10 (20130101); A61B
6/4441 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A61B
6/00 (20060101); A61B 6/10 (20060101) |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Artman; Thomas R
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Schiff Hardin LLP
Claims
We claim as our invention:
1. A method to control a movement of a component of a medical
apparatus via a control device having a touch-sensitive display,
comprising: via a touch-sensitive display screen of said
touch-sensitive display, receiving an input that selects an
apparatus component of the medical apparatus that is to be moved,
by contact of a thumb of an operator with said touch-sensitive
display screen; emitting a control signal from the control device
to the selected component that causes movement of the selected
component at said medical apparatus; providing a sensor at a side
of said touch-sensitive display opposite said touch-sensitive
display screen; forming a safety loop in said control device that
includes said touch-sensitive display screen and said sensor; and
requiring said safety loop to be closed by simultaneous and
continuous contact of the thumb of the operator with said
touch-sensitive display screen and a finger of the operator on said
sensor, in order to activate said movement of said apparatus
component.
2. A method as claimed in claim 1 comprising configuring the
touch-sensitive display to be operable with one hand.
3. A method as claimed in claim 1 comprising configuring the
touch-sensitive display to be operable with two hands.
4. A method as claimed in claim 1 comprising selecting said
apparatus component by contacting a defined region of the
touch-sensitive display that is individually associated with said
apparatus component.
5. A method as claimed in claim 1 comprising automatically and
immediately stopping movement of said selected apparatus component
if said safety loop does not remain closed.
6. A control device to control movement of a component of a medical
apparatus, said control device comprising: a touch-sensitive
display comprising a touch-sensitive display screen at a first side
of said touch-sensitive display, and a sensor at a second side of
said touch-sensitive display, opposite said first side; said
touch-sensitive display screen of said touch-sensitive display
receiving an input that selects an apparatus component of the
medical apparatus that is to be moved, by contact of a thumb of an
operator with said touch-sensitive display screen; said touch
display being configured to emit a control signal to the selected
component that causes movement of the selected component at said
medical apparatus; a safety loop in said control device that
includes said touch-sensitive display screen and said sensor; and
said touch display being configured to require said safety loop to
be closed by simultaneous and continuous contact of the thumb of
the operator with said touch-sensitive display screen and a finger
of the operator on said sensor, in order to activate said movement
of said apparatus component.
7. A medical apparatus comprising: a plurality of movable medical
apparatus components; a control device comprising a touch-sensitive
display comprising a touch-sensitive display screen at a first side
of said touch-sensitive display, and a sensor at a second side of
said touch-sensitive display, opposite said first side; said
touch-sensitive display screen of said touch-sensitive display
receiving an input that selects an apparatus component of the
medical apparatus that is to be moved, by contact of a thumb of an
operator with said touch-sensitive display screen; said control
device being configured to emit a control signal to the selected
component that causes movement of the selected component at said
medical apparatus; a safety loop in said control device that
includes said touch-sensitive display screen and said sensor; and
said control device being configured to require said safety loop to
be closed by simultaneous and continuous contact of the thumb of
the operator with said touch-sensitive display screen and a finger
of the operator on said sensor, in order to activate said movement
of said apparatus component.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
The invention concerns a method to control movements of a medical
apparatus via a control device with a touch-sensitive display,
which includes selecting an apparatus component of the medical
apparatus and moving the selected apparatus component as well as a
control device to control a medical apparatus and a medical
apparatus that operate according to such method.
Description of the Prior Art
In various types of medical apparatuses, such as x-ray systems or
fluoroscopy systems, at least one apparatus component is most often
movable in a motorized manner around at least one axis. Manual
control of the movable components plays a large role. For example,
it is necessary to position the individual components of an x-ray
system (such as x-ray detector and x-ray radiator) relative to a
patient so that an x-ray exposure of a defined body part of the
patient can be created with an optimally good quality.
Various control methods for the manual control to move the
apparatus components are known, BUT the existing solutions have
problems that have previously not been solved or have not been
considered.
For example, one problem is to apply an existing control method to
various apparatuses so that the operation becomes easier for the
user upon changing apparatuses, or when applied to a previously
unknown apparatus.
An additional unsolved problem is that of allowing blind
operability, namely that the user can operate the medical apparatus
without looking at the controls at the control device, or without
visual contact with the apparatus with the user receiving, at the
apparatus itself or at the control device, a direct visual feedback
as to whether the movements have been executed.
In addition, existing control methods can be difficult to adapt if,
for example, new ideas and changes should be incorporated into the
existing concept. Even the incorporation of small changes at the
apparatus to be controlled can be very cost-intensive.
The following control methods for the manual control of apparatus
components are known in the prior art:
One possibility is control via analog joysticks. Such joysticks are
often integrated into a stationary operating console for remote
control. If a user moves the joystick in a defined direction, the
apparatus component which is assigned to the joystick also moves in
the corresponding direction. The joysticks are conventionally
movable along one or two axes. The strength of the deflection can
affect the movement, in particular how fast a movement is executed.
The greater the deflection of the joystick, the faster that the
component then moves. One or two hands are necessary to operate the
joystick, depending on the complexity of the control.
An additional control method is the use of a remote control with
buttons. Analogous to the control by means of joystick, here the
various components and axes of the apparatus system are mapped and
addressed via buttons. In contrast to the operation with joystick,
in which the operation is realized via a stationary operating
console (or an operating console with only limited mobility), the
remote control is portable, wireless and operable with one
hand.
A laser remote control is an additional known control method, in
which the system movement is likewise controlled with the use of a
wireless remote control. A significant difference relative to the
remote control with buttons is that the movements are primarily
controlled via movements of the remote control itself, and not by
the pressing of buttons.
Furthermore, a controller of medical apparatuses that is based on a
touchscreen display is known, for example for a C-arm system. Here
the movement, in particular an exact positioning of the C-arm, can
be controlled by finger movements on a touch-sensitive display
directly attached to the C-arm. The finger movement on the display
corresponds to the movement of the C-arm. For example, the velocity
of the movement can be affected by the length of the movement
executed on the display, or a parallel displacement of the C-arm
can be achieved by multiple contact points of the display (for
example, contacted simultaneously with multiple fingers).
Furthermore, it is fundamentally relevant to security to always
execute the movements of the individual components only with safety
monitoring, since unintended and unmonitored movements of the
components (many of which are very large and heavy) of the medical
apparatuses represent a risk of injury for the operating personnel
and the patient.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An object of the invention is to provide a simple and flexible
control method for medical apparatuses, with which the risk of
injury due to unmonitored or unintended movements of the apparatus
can be eliminated.
A simple and flexible method to control a medical apparatus and its
individual components in accordance with the invention includes
controlling the movements by a control device with touch display,
and providing the control device with an additional safety loop so
that intended and monitored movements can be executed only if the
safety loop is closed.
The movements of the components are controlled by a touch-sensitive
control panel. The touch display--shortened to display in the
following--can be operated with either one finger or multiple
fingers. Operation with multiple fingers simultaneously has
advantages since, for example, parallel component movements can be
executed more simply. The input at the display takes place by
placement or movement of one or more fingers of the user, and/or by
placement or movement of an input element. Such an input
element--like a finger--triggers a touch event that is detectable
to the touch-sensitive touch display. The display is part of a
mobile or stationary control device.
The movements of the apparatus components can in principle be
controlled in different ways at the display. One possibility is
merely to provide a defined region on the display for the movement
control. If the user touches the display with a finger or the input
element in this region, a virtual joystick (indicated on the
display) appears at the contact point. The joystick is indicated on
the display as long as the user maintains the contact. If the user
then moves the contact point on the display, a movement of an
apparatus component along an axis of the system is triggered with
this. The user receives a visual feedback via the virtual joystick
in that a portion of the virtual joystick follows the movement of
the contact point. The velocity of the movement can be varied in
that the contact point on the display is shifted away from its
original position. The greater the distance between the initial
contact point and the moved contact point, the higher the velocity
of the movement. Analogously, the smaller the distance between the
initial contact point and the moved contact point, the lower the
velocity of the movement. In addition to the velocity, the movement
direction can also be controlled at the display. The axis of the
apparatus component which is addressed by the virtual joystick
varies via variation of the angle of the connecting line between
the present contact point and the initial contact point. For
example, a movement of the addressed apparatus component can thus
also be reversed.
The apparatus component moves as long as the user touches the
display. If the user breaks the contact with the display--i.e. if
he or she thus removes the finger from the display--the movement of
the controlled apparatus is immediately interrupted.
In another embodiment instead of the defined region on the display,
the virtual joystick is displayed permanently, either at a
predefined position or a position on the display that is to be
variably defined by the user. The control of the movements takes
place as described in the preceding. In particular, an immediate
stop of the apparatus movement also takes place here if the contact
with the display is interrupted at any point in time.
For the controller, it is preferable for the user to adopt a hand
position encompassed around the control device particularly for
mobile control devices. The hand, in particular the finger, of the
user touches the display on both sides. For example, the thumb lies
on the display on the front side of the control device and the
remaining four fingers are located on the back side of the control
device.
A part of the hand which is not required for control, for example
the four fingers on the back side of the control device, is used to
close the additional safety loop. This principle for closing the
safety loop is also designated as a dead man's switch or dead man's
device or dead man's grip. With a one-handed operation of the
control device, for example, the other hand of the user that is not
used for control can close the safety loop.
The safety loop or the closure thereof can be executed differently.
For example, a switch mounted on the back side or lateral side in
the form of a capacitive sensor or a button can be used for closing
the safety loop. The sensors can also be attached on the front side
of the control device, for example as defined regions of the
touch-sensitive display.
In order to ensure the safety of the user and the patient in the
control of the medical apparatus, the movement of the apparatus
components by the control device is possible only when the safety
loop is closed, i.e. if a finger of the user touches the capacitive
sensor, for example. As soon as the safety loop is no longer closed
(thus the user lets go of the control device, for example) the
movements of the apparatus are immediately interrupted. An
unmonitored and unintended movement of apparatus components is
prevented in this way.
A control device with a touch-sensitive display and an additional
safety loop, as described above, is suitable both for mobile and
stationary applications. In a mobile application, the control
device can be used in the form of a wireless remote control that
the user holds in his or her hand, or can be attached to a movable
control station which is likewise mobile in a certain radius. Both
types afford the user a greater freedom of movement in the control
of the medical apparatus. For example, upon aligning an x-ray
system the user can check its position from all sides by walking
around the apparatus and simultaneously executing additional
position changes or movements with the mobile control device.
Furthermore, the mobile application allows both a one-handed
operation and a two-handed operation of the control device. A
two-handed operation allows the user to control parallel movements,
for example. With a two-handed operation, the control device can be
gripped so that the thumbs lie on the display and thus are used to
control (meaning to execute) the movements on the display.
In contrast, for stationary operation of the control device the
movement radius of the user is severely limited. Here the control
device can be attached either directly to the medical apparatus to
be controlled or to a stationary control panel.
A combination of mobile and stationary operation is possible, for
example by mounting the control device in a docking station. When
the control device is located in the docking station, it can be
charged and thereby be used as a stationary device. The control
device should thereby be positioned in the docking station so that
both one-handed and two-handed operation is possible, as for the
mobile usage. For example, the control device can simply be placed
on the docking station, or it is attached by means of a ball joint
with telescoping rod or via clamping. It is important that a switch
mounted on the back side to close the safety loop is not covered by
the docking station and furthermore is easy to reach by the
user.
Accordingly, the method in accordance with the invention to control
movements of a medical apparatus via a control device with a
touch-sensitive display, has at least the steps of selecting an
apparatus component of the medical apparatus and moving the
selected apparatus component with the requirement that a safety
loop is closed in order to activate the movement of the apparatus
component. Such a method is suitable for simple control of
movements of components of medical apparatuses and serves to
prevent damage and injury to users and surroundings due to
unmonitored movements of large and heavy apparatus components.
In the method according to the invention, the control is
implemented by a control device with a touch-sensitive display. The
touch-sensitive display is also known as a touch display. The
control device, i.e., the touch-sensitive display, can be operated
with one hand or both hands. The user hereby grasps the control
device with the display either with one hand or with both hands,
with the hand or hands touching the control device both on the
front side with the display and on the opposite back side.
One-handed operation has the advantage that the user has his or her
second hand free, for example in order to additionally hold a body
part of the patient and align the apparatus. Two-handed operation
has the advantage that (for example) parallel movements of the
apparatus components with both hands can be more simply
controlled.
According to the invention, the touch-sensitive display of the
control device is operated or controlled by touches and gestures on
the display, wherein what is known as a contact point is
respectively defined or triggered by the contact. In one
embodiment, the respective contact point is triggered by at least
one finger and/or at least one input element. The input element is
a pen-like device that triggers a contact point (also called a
touch event) on the display upon contacting the display, analogous
to a finger. In the case of a capacitive display, a conductive
operating element is used. In the following, contact points are
generally discussed independent of whether these are triggered by a
finger or an input element. Multiple contact points can also be
triggered simultaneously, i.e. when two fingers or two input
elements simultaneously touch the display, for example. A parallel
displacement of the apparatus component is preferably controlled
with two simultaneously triggered contact points.
The respective component of the medical apparatus that is to be
moved is selected as a first step. The medical apparatus is, for
example, a C-arm system with the C-arm as an apparatus component to
be moved, or an x-ray system with the x-ray detector as an
apparatus component to be moved. In an embodiment, a specific,
predefined region of the display is contacted for selection. A
contact point is thus triggered in this region. The predefined
region is thereby associated with the defined apparatus component
to be selected. For example, multiple regions that are respectively
associated with an apparatus component to be selected are located
on the display. This is primarily suitable for medical apparatuses
in which more than one component is movable and controllable. For
identification of the respective regions of the display that are
associated with the components, these can be labeled with color or,
for example, can display small symbols of the respective component
to be moved. In another embodiment, the region of the display that
is associated with the respective apparatus component to be
selected is associated with a specific finger of a hand of the user
and is arranged accordingly on the display.
In the next step of the method according to the invention, the
selected apparatus component is moved. The movement of the
component is controlled by movement of one or more contact points
on the display. The movement of the apparatus component is
reflected by the gestures on the display. A defined region on which
the contact point or points are moved is advantageously provided at
the display for the movement control. In one embodiment, the
velocity of the movement of the apparatus component can be
controlled. When a first contact point on the display in the
defined region is triggered and this is displayed on the display
via movement of the finger or of the input element, this produces a
movement of the selected component, with the distance between the
original contact point and the moved contact point affecting the
velocity of the movement. The greater the distance, the faster the
movement. The opposite also applies: the smaller the distance, the
slower the movement. In another embodiment, the direction is
controllable. For example, this can be varied by the alignment of
the movement axis, thus the connecting line between an original
movement point and a moved contact point. Preferably both the
velocity of the movement and the movement direction can be varied
and controlled.
Furthermore, a parallel displacement of the apparatus component can
be controlled by means of the method according to the invention.
This preferably takes place via two simultaneously triggered
contact points which are moved together in the same direction with
the same velocity.
In order to be able to track the respective controlled movement of
the apparatus component on the display, the movement of the contact
point on the display is advantageously indicated. This is suitable
for a control of the medical without direct eye contact. For
example, different colors can be used in order to make it easier
for the user to recognize which apparatus component he is presently
moving. This feedback to the user in the operation can also be
realized by small explanatory graphics. Furthermore, the velocity
can be represented by means of a colored bar or, similarly, a
speedometer needle. For example, the respective movement vector can
be indicated at the display to track the movement direction.
In a preferred embodiment, a virtual joystick is indicated on the
display at the original contact point, which virtual joystick also
moves and aligns corresponding to the movement of the contact
point, and thus visualizes the movement of the apparatus component.
In addition to this, color axis markings which correlate to axis
markings at the apparatus system can be applied on the region
defined for the virtual joystick. Before a component movement, the
user can hereby already associate along which axis the movement
takes place. The number of failed attempts (meaning incorrectly
executed movements) can be reduced. The regions defined for the
virtual joystick can likewise be associated with specific apparatus
components via a defined coloring. In addition, the colors can be
consistently used with the explanation graphics.
According to the invention, an additional safety loop must be
closed in order to activate the movement of the apparatus
component. Conversely, this means that the movement of the
apparatus component is stopped as soon as the safety loop is
opened. In a simple embodiment, the safety loop is closed by
tapping once on a specific region on the display. Upon tapping
(either with a finger or an input element), a contact point is
triggered for a short period of time, which closes the safety loop.
A continuous contact of the corresponding region on the display is
unnecessary. As soon as the safety loop is closed by an initial
contact, the apparatus component can thus be moved.
Another embodiment provides that the safety loop is closed by
continuous contact with a specific region on the display or a
switch at the control device. The safety loop can consequently be
closed by continuous contact with a specific region on the display
or continuously holding a switch, for example on the back side of
the control device. Here a closing of the safety loop is necessary
during the entire control process. The movement is stopped and
terminated as soon as the safety loop is opened, thus when the
contact with the region or the switch ends.
The region on the display that is to be contacted is, for example,
a separate region of the display. The region can be the same region
in which the movement is controlled. In a simple embodiment, the
safety loop is opened by triggering the contact point for movement
control and is closed with the end of the movement control.
The invention further concerns a control device to control a
medical apparatus, having at least one touch-sensitive display and
a dead man's device with a safety loop. In one embodiment, the
control device is a mobile control device, for example similar to a
wireless remote control. In another embodiment, the control device
is a stationary control device, for example in the form of a
stationary control panel or a control device arranged directly at
the medical apparatus to be controlled. The control device is
suited both for mobile operation and for stationary operation. For
this, a mobile, wireless control device can be used together with a
docking station. If the control device is located in a docking
station, it is operated as a stationary control device and can
simultaneously be charged. As soon as the control device is removed
from the docking station, it can be used as a mobile control
device.
According to the invention, the control device has a dead man's
device with an additional safety loop. The dead man's device is
used in order to prevent unintended triggering of movement of the
apparatus components. In one embodiment, the dead man's device is a
defined region on the display upon contact with which (with a
finger or an input element) the safety loop is closed. In another
embodiment the dead man's device is a switch. The switch is
preferably arranged at a region of the control device that is easy
to access, such that both two-handed operation of the control
device and one-handed operation of the control device are possible.
The switch is arranged on the back side or a side region of the
control device. A simple contact with the switch and closing of the
safety loop is possible as soon as the control device is taken in
hand by the user. The safety loop is accordingly opened if the
switch is released, for example if the user drops the control
device. The switch is, for example, a capacitive sensor, a pressure
switch or a toggle switch etc.
The control device is suitable for implementation of the method
according to the invention as described above.
The invention also encompasses a medical apparatus having at least
one apparatus component, wherein the medical apparatus can be
controlled by a control device according to the invention as
described above by execution of a method according to the invention
as described above.
The invention described above provides the advantages are that the
control by a control device with touch-sensitive display can be
integrated into existing operating concepts with a touch-sensitive
display. This entails both a cost advantage and advantages in
application.
A specific example of such an integration is the combination of a
touch display-based control of a diaphragm (advantageously of a
radiography or fluoroscopy apparatus) with its movement control.
Here a single control device with a touch display offers both
functions to control apparatus component movements and to control
the diaphragm, either simultaneously or after being switched
over.
Another advantage is that changes at the apparatus itself can
simply be transferred to its control at the display and vice versa,
since no (or only slight) changes to the control device are
necessary.
Another advantage is that a completely or partially blind operation
(thus without visual contact with the apparatus to be moved or the
control device) is possible. The proportion of movements which can
be controlled with visual contact with the medical apparatus
depends on the reproduction and presentation of the system
movements at the display. The more precisely that the controlled
movements are presented at the display, the less visual contact is
necessary in order to monitor the controlled movements. For
example, if the presentation of the movements is implemented so
that it appears in a defined region of the display, the proportion
in which the operation can be executed without visual contact is
very high. Accordingly, it is also advantageous that the control of
movements of the apparatus components can be combined with direct
visual feedback on the display.
Overall, the method according to the invention offers the advantage
that complex movement of a component of a medical apparatus are
controlled via small gestures and movements on the touch-sensitive
display of the control device. The method according to the
invention thereby supports a simple integration of an additional
safety loop, for example via a capacitive sensor mounted on the
back side of the control device or via a defined region on the
display. The safety loop can be closed by a simple hand grip or
simply by triggering contact points in order to execute the
movements of the medical apparatus.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a schematic presentation of a front side of a mobile
control device in accordance with the invention, to be operated
with two hands.
FIG. 2 is a schematic presentation of a back side of the control
device according to FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is a schematic presentation of the mobile control device
according to FIG. 1 in a docking station.
FIG. 4 is a schematic presentation of the control device in
accordance with the invention, with a first control situation.
FIG. 5 is a schematic presentation of the control device according
to FIG. 4 with an additional control situation.
FIG. 6 is a schematic presentation of a control device in
accordance with the invention, with labeled control regions.
FIG. 7 is a schematic presentation of a control device in
accordance with the invention, with various control regions
associated with a respective apparatus component.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
FIGS. 1 and 2 show a control device 1 with a touch-sensitive
display 3. The control device 1 is designed for two-handed mobile
use. Accordingly, both hands 2 of a user are shown, which grip the
control device 1 on two opposite sides. The thumbs rest on the
display 3 on a front side of the control device 1 (see FIG. 1) and
the other four fingers rest on a back side (see FIG. 2). Movement
of a component of a medical apparatus can be controlled with
movements of a digit (here the thumbs) on the display 3 (see FIGS.
4, 5 and 7).
Two capacitive sensors 4 are mounted on the back side of the
control device 1 (see FIG. 2). One finger of a hand 2 rests on each
of the sensors 4. A safety loop is closed by touching the sensors
4, such that a movement of a preselected component of a medical
apparatus is possible.
A schematic depiction of the mobile control device 1 according to
FIG. 1 is shown in a docking station 5 in FIG. 3. The control
device 1 is connected (for example firmly clamped) on its back side
with the docking station 5 so as to be detachable. The control
device 1 is thus arranged in the docking station so that a hand
position as it is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 continues to be possible.
The user thus continues to easily reach the sensors 4 on the back
side of the control device 1. In the docking station 5, the control
device 1 is used as a stationary control device 1. A simple
operation with only one hand is thus also possible. Furthermore,
the control device 1 can be charged via the docking station 5.
FIGS. 4 and 5 show a schematic presentation of a control device 1
with various control situations. The control device 1 shown here is
operated with one hand, more precisely stated with an index finger
of the right hand 2 of a user. The tip of the index finger touches
the display 3 and thus triggers a contact point 6 (see FIG. 4). For
a simplified operation and for graphical depiction, a virtual
joystick 7 is shown at the contact point 6 in the form of two
concentric circles arranged around the contact point 6. The virtual
joystick facilitates the operation in that it gives the user a
direct feedback about the movement control. If a translation
movement should be executed in a specific direction, the index
finger is shifted in this direction on the display. This control
situation is shown in FIG. 5. The virtual joystick 5 thereby
together moves with the finger movement in that--according to this
embodiment--the inner circle follows the contact point 6 and moves
together with the tip of the index finger. The further that the
contact point 6 moves from its initial position, the more quickly
that the transition movement is executed.
FIG. 6 shows a schematic presentation of a control device 1 with
labeled control regions 8a and 8b. The control regions 8a and 8b
are respectively arranged in one corner of the display 3 so that
these are easy to reach by the hand of the user. Both control
regions 8a and 8b can be associated with a respective specific
apparatus component or a specific movement of the apparatus
component. This facilitates an intuitive control for the user.
Furthermore, the vertical and horizontal movement axes are
respectively shown in the control regions 8a and 8b. This likewise
makes the movement control easier for the user.
FIG. 7 shows a schematic presentation of a control device 1 with
various control regions 8a through 8c associated with a respective
apparatus component. In this embodiment, the control device 1 is
designed for mobile, two-handed operation. The hands 2 of the user
hold the control device 1 on two sides (see FIG. 2). The thumbs are
arranged on the display 3, and the other fingers on the back side
of the control device 1 (see FIG. 3).
The three control regions 8a, 8b and 8c are arranged in three
corners of the display 3. Each of the three control regions 8a, 8b
and 8c is associated with a defined movement, which is indicated by
the different arrows in the control regions 8a, 8b and 8c, namely
horizontal translation movement, rotation movement, and vertical
translation movement. In an upper region of the display 3, three
selection fields 9 are executed in a predefined region. These
selection fields 9 are associated with a respective apparatus
component to be controlled. The medical apparatus to be controlled
here are an x-ray system which is shown in the background at the
display 3. For example, one selection field is associated with the
patient table and one selection field is associated with the x-ray
radiator.
According to the method according to the invention, an apparatus
component to be moved is selected in a first step. This takes place
by tapping on the respective selection field. As a next step, the
selected apparatus component is moved in that the respective
desired movements are executed via gestures on the display 3 in the
respective control regions 8a, 8b or 8c. For safety engineering
reasons, the system movements are possible only possible if an
additional safety loop at the control device 1 is closed. In the
embodiment shown here, the safety loop via a capacitive sensor on
the back side of the control device 1 is closed by a continuous
contact with the fingers (see FIG. 3).
Although modifications and changes may be suggested by those
skilled in the art, it is the intention of the inventors to embody
within the patent warranted hereon all changes and modifications as
reasonably and properly come within the scope of their contribution
to the art.
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